Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation to Empower Emerging African Creatives

Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation to Empower African Creatives

Nigerian award‑winning singer **Tiwa Savage** has officially launched a new philanthropic initiative — the **Tiwa Savage Music Foundation** — aimed at empowering emerging talent across the African music and creative industries. This bold step marks a major moment in the continent’s cultural development, focusing not just on performers, but on the entire ecosystem of creatives shaping Africa’s sound. 0

A New Era of Opportunity

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation was unveiled by Savage via her social media platforms, where she emphasized her desire to “build at home” after years of building a global career. The foundation is dedicated to offering access to world‑class music education, mentorship, and industry opportunities for emerging African creatives — especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities. 1

The mission of the foundation is rooted in the belief that while raw talent is abundant across Africa, access to formal training, industry knowledge, and professional networks often remains limited. Through dedicated programs, partnerships, and real‑world experiences, the initiative aims to fill that gap and help young creatives turn their potential into sustainable careers in music and related fields. 2

Partnership With Berklee College of Music

One of the most notable aspects of this initiative is its partnership with the renowned Berklee College of Music — the largest independent contemporary music college in the world. Savage, who is herself a Berklee alumna, worked with the institution to design a flagship program that brings Berklee’s teaching methodology directly to Lagos, Nigeria. 3

The program, titled Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 26, 2026. It represents the first time Berklee’s curriculum will be delivered in West Africa, offering participants an immersive experience in performance, songwriting, production, music business, and other essential disciplines. 4

What the Intensive Program Offers

The four‑day intensive music program has been carefully designed to engage emerging creatives at their current skill level while expanding their knowledge and artistic range. Participants will receive hands‑on instruction from Berklee faculty members and industry professionals, bridging theory with real‑world practice. 5

Key focus areas include:

• Live performance techniques
• Songwriting and creative composition
• Music production and sound engineering
• Music business, publishing, and industry strategy

At the end of the program, participants will have opportunities to showcase their work and engage directly with professionals, giving them an invaluable platform for growth and exposure. 6

Access, Mentorship, and Long‑Term Vision

While the intensive program is one of the first major activities under the foundation, the broader vision extends beyond a single event. The initiative aims to create lasting pathways for education, professional development, and international creative collaboration. 7

During her announcement, Savannah highlighted the importance of mentorship and access — reinforcing that talent alone isn’t enough if opportunities and world‑class education remain out of reach. By offering access to professional training and industry connections, the foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of music industry leaders across Africa. 8

How to Apply

Applications for the intensive music program are open until March 20, 2026, and the process is free for applicants. Interested creatives from across Africa can submit videos and supporting materials for consideration. Selected participants will receive full training but must cover travel and lodging expenses in Lagos. 9

This open call reflects the foundation’s commitment to offering equitable access — giving emerging talent a chance to benefit from world‑class music education without financial barriers to enrollment in the curriculum itself. 10

Conclusion

With the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, one of Africa’s most influential artists is making a significant investment in the future of African creativity. This initiative not only brings world‑class training directly to the continent but also fosters a more inclusive and sustainable environment for music professionals at every level of the industry. 11

As application deadlines approach and anticipation builds for the April intensive, this foundation has already begun to shape the narrative of African creative empowerment — demonstrating that global success can be matched with meaningful support for the next generation. 12